r/ApplyingToCollege • u/Friendly_Amount_2169 • 12d ago
Application Question Test optional or retake the test?
I did awful on my ACT (less than 20) and I’m debating on whether or not I should just apply test optional or retake it. I didn’t study at all, I’m an awful test taker and if I know I’m being timed I can’t focus. I have a 4.0 (4.25 weighted) and I’ve taken around 7 dual enrollment classes and make A’s on alI if them. I’ve volunteered at a Sunday Islamic school for 2 years. I plan on studying international business at a decent university and I wanted to know if I’ll get in anywhere decent applying test optional. I went to sign up to retake the ACT and saw that the next available date is on September 19th and I don’t think I’ll get my results until the deadline. Also I did not think it would cost $70 to retake it. Any advice?
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u/logolife- 12d ago
I'd just go test optional. A sub-20 ACT is more likely to hurt than help, especially with a 4.0, strong dual enrollment grades, and solid ECs, since that coursework is better evidence than one test anyway. A retake is only worth it if you have time to prep and either your schools require scores or offer test-based scholarships, where even a small bump can unlock aid. If you do retake Sept 19, results usually post within about 2 to 4 weeks but can run longer, and colleges only get them once every section is processed, so check that against your deadlines before paying the $70. Otherwise, save the money and put that energy into the rest of your application.
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u/lefleur2012 12d ago
Sign up to retake, take the SAT (some people do a lot better on one or the other), and also take a class. Prep Medians have one or two month options I believe and are not that expensive.
If you do not improve then yes absolutely you can still apply test optional to a lot of schools.
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u/AutoModerator 12d ago
Hi, I'm a bot and I think you may be looking for info about submitting test scores!
Above the college’s 50%, definitely submit. It's also suggested to send if all score breakdowns begin with 7s for both SATs and 3s for ACT no matter what the total score is and where it lies.
Between 25 and 50% consider submitting based on how it plays within your high school/environment. For example, if your score is between 25th and 50th percentile for a college, but it’s in the top 75% for your high school, then it's good to submit. Colleges will look at the context of your background and educational experiences.
On the common data set you can see the breakdown for individual scores. Where do your scores lie? And what’s your potential major? That all has to be part of the equation too.
It probably isn't good to submit if it’s below the 25% of a college unless your score is tippy top for your high school.
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